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Orchids (Orchidaceae spp.) make intriguing houseplants due to their distinct flowers and appearance. Of the more than 25,000 varieties of orchid, less than a dozen are commonly kept as houseplants, including phalaenopsis, hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12; dendrobium, USDA zones 9 through 12; and cattleya, USDA zones 10 through 12. All orchids require specific care to thrive in an indoor environment. Along with providing the right amount of light, humidity, water and air, you will also need to prune the orchid at least once per year.

Preparation

A pair of sharp bypass pruners cuts easily through the thick and dense long stem on an orchid. If you don’t have pruners, a straight-edge razor works well also. Clean the tool with a mixture of nine parts water to one part bleach. Allow to air dry. This will prevent the spread of any diseases to your orchid. If you are pruning more than one orchid, clean the cutting tool between each one.

Cutting the Stem

Cut as close to the base, or emergence site, of the long stem on most varieties of orchids kept as houseplants. The long stem will not develop more flowers and often becomes brown and unsightly. Make the cut at a 45-degree angle. A clean cut will prevent damage to the orchid. While the cut site doesn't need sealed, check it and the orchid regularly for insects.

The Exception

The only houseplant species that will rebloom on the long stem, phalaenopsis, still needs the stem pruned. On this variety, cut the stem back leaving at least two nodes and cutting below the lowest spent flower. New blooms or plants develop from one of the nodes. Cut the stem to the base during the summer if it has not flowered or has finished flowering to give the orchid a rest period.

Care After Pruning

Provide your orchid with plenty of humidity. The plants perform best in an environment with 50 to 70 percent relative humidity. Provide humidity with a small room humidifier, a tray filled with rocks and water placed under the orchid or by placing the plant in a humid room, such as a kitchen or bathroom. Feed the orchid with a diluted fertilizer once a week during the growing season. Use an orchid specific, water-soluble fertilizer or a 20-20-20 fertilizer diluted to one-fourth the recommended amount on the package or 1/8 teaspoon per 1 gallon of water. Give the orchid water, allow the water to drain and then apply the fertilizer.

About the Author

Kit Arbuckle is a freelance writer specializing in topics such as health, alternative medicine, beauty, senior care, pets and landscaping. She has training in landscaping and a certification in medicinal herbs from a botanical sanctuary.

Photo Credits

Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

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Arbuckle, Kit. "Can I Cut the Long Stem of a Houseplant Orchid?" Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/can-cut-long-stem-houseplant-orchid-100135.html. Accessed 21 March 2019.

Arbuckle, Kit. (n.d.). Can I Cut the Long Stem of a Houseplant Orchid? Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/can-cut-long-stem-houseplant-orchid-100135.html

Arbuckle, Kit. "Can I Cut the Long Stem of a Houseplant Orchid?" accessed March 21, 2019. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/can-cut-long-stem-houseplant-orchid-100135.html

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